3 Super Eagles players who deserve big transfers after AFCON

Super Eagles players earned football fans’ respect all over the world, not because they won the bronze medal after beating Egypt on penalties in a battle for third place, but because they played their hearts out in Green and White jerseys.

Yaya Touré, one of the African football legends and an Ivorian, said the Super Eagles are the most impressive team at the 2025 AFCON.

Even though the Super Eagles didn’t make it to the final, many football legends and fans alike still hail their incredible performance at the tournament.

Recall that the Super Eagles particularly dominated the knockout stages, where they did not allow a single goal, before suffering a narrow semi-final defeat to Morocco.

The prestige received is not sheer luck; it rests on individual brilliance. Most of whom are youngsters with fresh legs bringing wonders to each game in Morocco.

In this article, Sporting Tribune compiles and analyses three key players in Nigeria’s AFCON squad who deserve playing in the European top-flight.

1- Semi Ajayi (Hull City)

Currently playing in Hull City, Ajayi was the emotional and physical heartbeat of the defense. After winning Man of the Match in the opener against Tanzania—where he scored a towering header—he went on to maintain a 91% pass completion rate throughout the tournament. He didn’t just defend; he initiated the attack.

Ajayi proved he is a leader of men. For clubs in Serie A or Ligue 1 looking for a ball-playing center-back who can also chip in with 3-5 goals a season from set-pieces, Ajayi is the most cost-effective “plug-and-play” veteran on the market right now.

2- Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos)

Onyemaechi was arguably the “Breakout Star” for Nigeria. Very solid in defence and crucial in transitioning.

He neutralised the top scorer of the tournament, Brahim Diaz (Morocco) and also rendered Mahrez powerless in a quarterfinal against Algeria.

After displacing veteran starters, he provided the crucial assist for Victor Osimhen in the 2-0 quarter-final win over Algeria. He averaged 5.5 ball recoveries per game, showcasing a level of anticipation that is rare for his age.

While currently at Olympiacos, Onyemaechi’s stock is at an all-time high. He is a modern left-back who thrives in “half-spaces,” making him an ideal player for clubs that like defenders to act as extra midfielders during possession.

3- Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City)

Osayi-Samuel was the ultimate “wing-back hybrid” in Morocco. His performance in the semi-final against the hosts was a masterclass in recovery; he recorded an 84% dribble success rate while simultaneously shutting down Morocco’s creative flank.

Currently at Birmingham City, he has clearly outgrown the Championship. His rare ability to sprint 40 yards to track a runner and then immediately contribute to an overlap makes him a perfect fit for a Premier League or Bundesliga side that employs a high defensive line.